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'Four nights, eh? That's even better.'
    She opened her mouth to correct him, then closed it. Maybe it was better this way. There seemed little point in staying longer now. It seemed that neither Dad nor the house needed her attention any longer.
    They washed up together as they had always done, then Dad announced that there was a gardening programme on TV that he wanted to watch and they settled down. It was halfway through when Katy heard the back door open and close, a moment later Isobel's head came round the living-room door.
    'Just thought I'd see if everything was all right,' she mouthed at Katy.
    'Fine, thanks.' With a glance at her father Katy got up and went into the hall, closing the door behind her. 'Dad drinks in every word of that TV gardener,' she explained. 'Better not interrupt.'
    Isobel nodded and took her hand. 'Come upstairs with me a moment. I'd appreciate your advice.' On the landing she opened the door of Katy's room. 'I hope you won't mind, dear, but I plan to redecorate this room for David and I—for after we're married.'
    'My room? But why?' Katy asked.
    'Well—I wouldn't feel quite happy in the other one. I'm sure you understand. In future that can be yours when you come to stay.' She glanced at Katy. 'But I don't suppose that will be very often, will it—what with all your friends and your career? A couple of middle-aged fogies like David and I will bore you to death, I'm sure.' She walked round the room, her eyes half-closed. 'I thought a nice lilac,' she mused, 'with maybe a moss green carpet—and a new suite of course. Or perhaps some built-in fitments. Do you want to keep all those old dolls, dear? Or shall I arrange to get rid of them for you?'
    'I'll keep them, thanks,' Katy said stiffly. 'Maybe you won't mind if I leave them in the box-room—or will that inconvenience you?' she added meaningly.
    Isobel looked at her. 'No—as long as it isn't for too long.' She bit her lip. 'Just between ourselves I have hopes that we may be needing the box-room for a nursery. I always wanted a family and if we don't waste too much time it could still happen, couldn't it?'
    Katy's stomach turned over. 'I—I think I'll go and make some coffee,' she muttered.
    Afterwards she couldn't imagine how she got through the evening. In spite of what she'd said about them having their first evening alone together Isobel stayed on, chattering animatedly all through the television programmes. Just before she left she looked at Katy and said:
    'Have you told your father yet about the boyfriend?'
    David Lang took his pipe out of his mouth and looked up with interest. 'What's this? I haven't heard anything about a boyfriend.'
    Before Katy had time to reply Isobel rushed on. 'A handsome doctor from the hospital with the raciest little car you ever saw! Caused quite a stir in the road, I can tell you. What did you say his name was, dear?'
    'I didn't—but it's Sean MacInnon.' Katy was about to add that it was all a mistake and that he wasn't her boyfriend when she suddenly had an idea. Sean might make a useful excuse if things became too unbearable here.
    'How long have you been going out together?' her father asked.
    She shrugged. 'Oh—some time.'
    'And is it—serious?'
    Katy blushed and Isobel laughed shrilly. 'David! Don't embarrass the girl. One look was enough to see that the man obviously adores her! And any girl would be mad to let a man like him slip through her fingers!' She perched girlishly on the arm of David's chair and slipped her arm possessively round his neck. 'Believe me, I know a good man when I see one, don't I, darling?'
    Katy groaned inwardly. She was going to need that excuse, there was no doubt about it—and probably sooner than she had thought!
     

CHAPTER FOUR
    Katy had never been more glad to be back at work than she was on that Monday morning two weeks later. Two days had been more than enough of being at home. Isobel was hardly ever out of the house and her father was obviously besotted.